Molecular Iodine Mouthrinse Antimicrobial Activity Against Periodontopathic Bacteria.

AIM

This study compared two molecular iodine mouthrinses for their bactericidal effects against subgingival biofilm bacteria from severe periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a subgingival biofilm eradication assay, dilution aliquots of subgingival microbial specimens from 32 adults with severe periodontitis were mixed with either a mouthrinse containing 100 parts per million (ppm) molecular iodine (Iorinse®) or one containing 150 ppm molecular iodine (iClean®), followed by mouthrinse neutralization after 60 seconds with 3% sodium thiosulfate. The mixtures, along with unexposed subgingival biofilm aliquots, were inoculated onto enriched Brucella blood agar and incubated anaerobically for 7 days to quantitate total viable bacterial counts and selected red/orange complex periodontal pathogens ( and ).

RESULTS

Both molecular iodine mouthrinses significantly reduced total viable bacterial counts in the subgingival biofilm samples, with iClean® providing significantly greater suppression than Iorinse®. Both molecular iodine mouthrinses also significantly reduced total red/orange complex periodontal pathogens, with significantly greater suppression also exhibited by iClean®.

CONCLUSION

The molecular iodine mouthrinses exerted marked bactericidal activity against human subgingival biofilm microbial species, including red/orange complex periodontal pathogens associated with severe periodontitis, with iClean® providing significantly better antimicrobial activity than Iorinse®.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest potential value of molecular iodine mouthrinses in the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases.